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WATERLOO REGION — It was business as usual at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market this week — and thank heavens for that. Just in time for the holidays too, this beloved, famous institution — considered Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market — has set up shop in its spanking brand-new “Harvest Barn” structure — literally in the very spot where the old market burned to the ground three months earlier in a devastating fire.

You wouldn’t have known there had been such a tragedy from the 49 vendors who were busy selling everything from delicious Christmas cookies to smoked sausages, fresh eggs, prime meats, jewelry, fashion, preserves and much more. Of particular interest was Sheldon Creek Dairy’s famous dairy products, including the company’s famous egg nog, and the equally famous EBY Manor Golden Guernsey milk — a delicious, rich, old-fashioned tasting milk where the cream rises to the top. The milk (and cream) is produced on a local family farm by 60 registered milking Guernsey cows. Apparently each one has a name and each is unique in her golden-fawn and white markings as well as in her personality! (Check out Ebymanor.ca)

“We are absolutely thrilled to be opening the Harvest Barn right before Christmas,” said Sheila Shantz, GM of St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. “The Waterloo Region community has been a true source of inspiration for us and the support that we have received over the past three months speaks to the tremendous character of the community that we live in.”

The new 15,600 sq. ft. dome-shaped building, equipped with both heating and cooling systems, was a true welcoming sight for both vendors and customers — and business was brisk on the opening day. Several of the vendors talked about the fire, and how “we lost everything,” said one man who asked not to use his name. “But — we’re back, and it feels great.”

After the fire, many of the vendors just moved to the buildings next door, so it was business as usual for them — “the world thought we had closed down for good, but we were always operating,” said an older woman, dressed in traditional Mennonite clothing. “People need to know we’re still here.”

Currently, Mercedes Corp., which operates the famed market, is planning the construction of a new main building to replace the Harvest Barn, with construction expected to be completed by late 2014. In addition to the rebuilding of the main building, more good news is on the way for the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market as the Peddler’s Village building will soon be accommodating many of the food court vendors that customers have missed.

“Many of our vendors are looking forward to once again serving their customers in their brand new spaces,” said Shantz. “We want everyone to know that the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is open for business and we want to welcome back our loyal market visitors as well as welcome those who have yet to experience Canada’s largest year round farmers’ market.”

To assist displaced vendors during the market’s rebuilding phase the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation has established a vendor relief challenge. For every $1 donated to the challenge, the Foundation will match the donation by triple the amount, up to $75,000 — with the goal of raising a total of $225,000. For more information on the challenge, please visit kwcf.ca/sjfmvendorrelief.

St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market back in brand-new barn

Fire couldn’t keep them down

WATERLOO REGION — It was business as usual at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market this week — and thank heavens for that. Just in time for the holidays too, this beloved, famous institution — considered Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market — has set up shop in its spanking brand-new “Harvest Barn” structure — literally in the very spot where the old market burned to the ground three months earlier in a devastating fire.

You wouldn’t have known there had been such a tragedy from the 49 vendors who were busy selling everything from delicious Christmas cookies to smoked sausages, fresh eggs, prime meats, jewelry, fashion, preserves and much more. Of particular interest was Sheldon Creek Dairy’s famous dairy products, including the company’s famous egg nog, and the equally famous EBY Manor Golden Guernsey milk — a delicious, rich, old-fashioned tasting milk where the cream rises to the top.